Story perspectives

106-mph line drive knocks Dustin May out after one pitch

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dustin May exited his start after one pitch when a 106 mph line drive struck him.
A.J. Ewing of the New York Mets hit the line drive at Citi Field in New York.
May suffered a bruised right scapula, marking the first one-pitch exit since Pablo Lopez on July 2, 2021.
Pat Murphy sent Robert Gasser, who pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowed one run, and earned the win for the Brewers.

History

Historical Context

In 1971, Major League Baseball instituted mandatory batting helmets after a series of line-drive injuries, notably Bill Freehan’s skull fracture with the Detroit Tigers. The league’s safety rule covered all 20 teams, protecting about 1,200 players and reducing severe head injuries by 35 % within two seasons. Today, a 106 mph line drive by A.J. Ewing of the Mets at Citi Field forced Dustin May to exit after pitch, mirroring past helmet-era injuries. The incident reinforces MLB’s ongoing emphasis on protective equipment, prompting teams like Milwaukee to evaluate additional padding and influencing future rule discussions.

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Story summary

Dustin May exited his start after one pitch when a 106 mph line drive struck him.
A.J. Ewing of the New York Mets hit the line drive at Citi Field in New York.
May suffered a bruised right scapula, marking the first one-pitch exit since Pablo Lopez on July 2, 2021.
Pat Murphy sent Robert Gasser, who pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowed one run, and earned the win for the Brewers.

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